West Star has announced the approval of the next 25 apprentices selected for their new West Star Aviation Academy (WSAA) at their east Alton, Illinois, facility.
WSAA opened earlier this year in collaboration with Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC), as an initiative that aims to address the ongoing shortage of aircraft maintenance technicians, which has continuously been a challenge for the industry.
WSAA is located onsite and consists of a dedicated classroom along with a learning hangar. Apprentices have hands-on training, working with standard tools and other components including a Falcon aircraft, while simultaneously using WSAA branded versions of Corridor and other operational forms and procedures to better connect what they are learning with on-the-job experiences.
“Since its inception, WSAA has received a tremendous amount of recognition, reaffirming West Star’s position as a leader in the industry by offering this program and aiding in the industry’s work shortage,” said Allen McReynolds, COO.
Our first cohort of 25 apprentices are doing exceptionally well and will be graduating in August. Apprentices will start testing while completing four weeks of specific job training. By mid-September, the first cohort of graduates will begin working at West Star within the Falcon, Bombardier and Gulfstream program(s).
The second cohort will begin immediately after the graduation of the first cohort in late August. Recruiting for apprentices will continue for each upcoming session. The academy is looking for mechanically inclined people with the right attitude to gain the skills, education and license required to become an aircraft maintenance technician.
